Petechial Rash

Petechial rashes

Petechial rashes are rashes that look like pin points, are reddish in color and are flat unlike regular rashes. Petechiae are due to conditions that make blood vessels beneath the skin rupture and bleed. Petechial rashes may appear at any area of the skin; the most common areas where these rashes develop are the face, the neck, the abdomen, on the legs, arms and on the trunk. It is likely that petechial rashes are caused by pressure or trauma on the area. Rigorous scratching bumps and scrapes on the skin can lead to petechiae. Straining may cause petechiae on the neck, face, arms and on the legs.

What to do with petechiae on the legs and extremities?

Most petechial rash cases resolve on their own; you don’t need to use remedies, treatments or take medications to manage this condition. However, in severe cases, there are further treatments that need to be done. Here are some techniques to consider:

The underlying factor or medical condition must be treated to totally manage the spread of petechial rashes. For instance, if the petechiae are caused by a viral illness then viral treatment is commonly prescribed. If the rashes are caused by a decreased platelet count then taking medication or blood transfusion is often done in severe cases.

In mild cases, petechiae on the legs may disappear on their own. But the best way to deal with petechial rashes is to apply cold compress. Cold will reduce rupture and bleeding of blood vessels. You need to apply cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes for at least a day for minor petechial rashes.

In severe cases when petechial rashes form purpura (large patches of rashes), it could be very difficult to apply cold all over the legs; staying on an air conditioned room will help cool you down or you may use ice packs instead.

Avoid activities like heavy lifting, straining, walking or standing for a long period of time to prevent worsening your condition. There are special footwear and stockings to help you reduce pressure on your legs especially when you need to walk or stand for prolonged periods.

Take a rest and elevate your legs. Resting helps the body recuperate from bleeding and will also help the body repair tissues. Elevating the legs will also reduce bleeding since you are deviating fluid away from the lower extremities. If you can, lie down with two or more pillows under your feet; if you are just resting, avoid hanging your feet from a seat or a bench.

Take care of the skin on your legs. Skin that has petechial rashes may be more vulnerable to dryness and skin disorders. Petechial rashes may progress into purpura and ecchymoses which are characterised by reddish to purplish rashes that may develop into vesicles and later become ulcerated. Drink a lot of water, apply moisturizers on the area. Do not overlook petechial rashes no matter how simple they may be for these may be symptoms of an underlying illness. Consult your doctor at once for any symptoms.

petechial rashes

Petechial rashes may be accompanied by fever in the case of viral or bacterial infections. When bacteria or a virus invades the body, an inflammatory response is started to fight the invader. The body tends to release chemicals to control bleeding and infection which results in the development of several symptoms:

Moderate to high grade fever which is the body’s response to infection.

The development of petechial rashes and later on purpura which are rashes greater than 2mm in diameter.

Abnormal blood findings; blood works show a decreased platelet count and an increased white blood cells in response to infection.

In severe cases, there is bleeding from the nose, gums and bloody stools. Women may experience heavy menstruation. Wounds do not heal well an overall feeling or weakness or tiredness happens as the body tries to fight an infection.

What to do with fever and petechiae?

As with any case of petechial rashes and fever, the cause of petechiae must be determined. Only upon treating the cause will rashes disappear and fever be controlled. Here are some ways to deal with these symptoms:

Medications used to treat fever will help but choose paracetamol since aspirin will only thin blood and make your condition worse.

A cold compress will help reduce fever and may also help prevent the spread of petechial rashes on the different areas of the body. A cold towel may be placed over the forehead or the nape of the neck to control fever and another cold towel may be placed over the rash to help reduce bleeding and rupture of capillaries.

Applying ice on the forehead will also help as well as placing ice on the affected area. You may use an ice pack instead.

Drinking more fluids especially water may help take care of high fever; this will also help nourish the skin from the inside which will also be effective in reducing body temperature to treat petechial rashes.

Avoid straining and lifting objects since these will only make your petechial rashes worse. Take a rest to allow your body to recuperate; rest will also help the body repair tissues and fight infection.

High fevers may also be reduced by wearing loose clothing; this will allow heat to dissipate from the body. Wearing loose clothing will also help you asses your rashes very well. Avoiding constriction are also perfect in reducing petechiae.

Consult your doctor if your petechial rashes and fever last for more than three days. You should also watch out for these signs and symptoms:

Very high fever accompanied by worsening petechiae.

Vomiting and nausea

Altered state of consciousness, weakness and restlessness.

Aside from regular consultation to determine the effectiveness of treatments given, you must also be available for frequent platelet monitoring especially when you are receiving treatments and taking medications for clotting blood. Always report any symptom or side effect of treatment as soon as possible. Never overlook symptoms since fever and petechiae may be a sign of something worse.